Course Descriptions

AGRI 1413. Plant protection. (4-3-3).
Principles and practices of controlling and preventing economic loss caused by plant pests.  Includes instructon in entomology, plant pathology, weed science, crop science, environmental toxicology, and related environmental protection measures.  Prerequisite: SCIT 1305 (Rd, Wtg)

AGRI 2411. Soils. (4-3-4).
A study of the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils. Stresses relationship between crops and soils and use and conservation of soil and water. Use of fertilizers and regional cultural practices of commercial crops explored. Prerequisite: Chem 1305, 1105, 1411.

HALT 1322.  Landscape Design. (3-2-3).
A study of the principles and elements of landscape design. Topics include client interview, site analysis, plan view, scale, plant selection, basic drawing and drafting skills, and plan preparation.

HALT 1324.  Turfgrass Science and Management. (3-2-3).
In-depth coverage of various species of warm and cool season grasses including their uses, application, adaptability, environmental tolerances, anatomy, and physiological responses.

HALT 1325.  Landscape Plant Material. (3-2-3).
Study of the identification, characteristics, cultural requirements, and landscape uses of native and adapted plants.  Includes a focused study of the woody and herbaceous plant materials used in landscape and horticulture industries.

HALT 1327.  Horticulture Equipment Management. (3-2-3).
Instruction in identification and application of various types of powered equipment used in the horticulture industry. Presentation of functions, operations, troubleshooting techniques, and repair of equipment.

HALT 1333.  Landscape Irrigation. (3-2-4).
In-depth coverage of irrigation systems including equipment, design, performance, and maintenance. Topics include residential and commercial applications, troubleshooting, repair, and technological advances in irrigation systems.

HALT 1419.  Landscape Construction. (4-3-3).
Exploration of landscape construction materials and the methods used for installation. Topics on soil preparation, including wood, concrete, and masonry construction; and landscape lighting, including pools, spas and general construction details.

HALT 2310. Advanced Landscape Irrigation. (3-2-3).
Advanced applications of landscape irrigation.  Topics include commercial applications of irrigation including athletic fields, golf courses, and large commercial projects.  Topics also include equipment, design, performance, troubleshooting, maintenance and repair. (Rd, Wtg)

HALT 2312.  Turfgrass Maintenance. (3-2-3).
Instruction in common turfgrass cultural practices.  Topics include calculation and application of materials and the operation and maintenance of equipment.  The student will explain turfgrass response to various cultural activities; describe various cultural practices; and perform various turfgrass establishment procedures.

HALT 2315.  Landscape Management. (3-2-3).
A study of the procedures and practices used in the horticulture industry for proper landscape maintenance. Topics include landscape installation, lawn maintenance, shrub and tree care, and management practices.

HALT 2418. Soil Fertility and Fertilizers. (4-3-4)
An in-depth study of the chemistry, soil interaction, plant uptake, and utilization of essential plant nutrients.  Topics include deficiency and toxicity symptoms, and the selection, application, and characteristics of fertilizer materials.  Prerequisite: CHEM 1305, 1105, 1411 or SCIT 1305. (Rd, Wtg)

HALT 2423. Horticultrual Pest Control. (4-3-3).
Examination of federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing the control of horticultural pests.  Topics include procedures; methods; safety requirements; integrated pest management (IPM); and chemical, natural, and biological controls. (Rd, Wtg)

HALT 2431. Advanced Landscape Design. (4-3-3).
In-depth coverage of advanced practices in landscape planning for commercial and residential landscapes.  Topics include advanced design analysis, architectural elements, space articulation, and land engineering concepts.

HALT 2472. Applied Agriculture Chemicals for Weeds and Diseases. (4-3-3).
The practical identification, cause, and control of common weeds and plant diseases are learned.  Materials and equipment used for their prevention and control, both turfgrass and woody plants, are practiced. Course Completion Requirement: As part of the course final, students must sit for the Texas Pesticide Applicators Test, which is administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture. Approximate cost: $25 Prerequisite: SCIT 1305 or instructor’s permission. (Rd, Wtg)

 
HALT 2486. Internship - Horticulture Services Operations and Management. (4-1-20).
An experience external to the college for an advanced student involving a written agreement between the educational institution and a business or industry. Mentored and supervised by a workplace employee, the student achieves objectives that are developed and documented by the college and that are directly related to specific occupational outcomes. This may be paid or unpaid experience. As outlined in the learning plan, the student will master the theory, concepts, and skills involving the tools, materials, equipment, procedures, regulations, laws, and interactions within and among the particular occupations and the business/industry; demonstrate ethical behavior, safety practices, interpersonal and teamwork skills, communicating in the applicable language of the occupation and the business or industry.  Students will meet for instruction in reporting procedures for the work-related experience. (Capstone Course)

HORT 1401.  Principles of Horticulture. (4-3-2).
An overview of the horticulture industry, plant science, terminology, classification, propagation, environmental responses, and careers and opportunities in the field of horticulture. 

SCIT 1305.  Introduction of Agricultural Chemistry. (3-2-4).
The student will perform soil and agricultural chemical analysis; identify common nomenclature; differentiate agricultural chemicals; and practice agricultural chemical safety.

SPAN 1300.  Conversational Spanish. (3-3-0).
Primary aim of the course is to teach communication skills in speaking and understanding spoken Spanish.  Idiomatic expressions and conversation stressed in a course designed primarily for business and professional people, farmers, ranchers, and others who deal with Spanish-speaking citizens of the community.  May not be counted as part of the requirements for Spanish major or minor.  (Not designed for transfer.)

SRVY 1313. Plane Surveying. (3-2-3).
An introductory overview of surveying equipment and measurement techniques with emphasis on leveling and traversing.